Numerous posts have gone viral online claiming tattoos will become illegal in several states, including Texas. It’s flat out not true.
TEXAS, USA — It seems many are curious if tattoos are becoming illegal in Texas in 2028.
This was by far the top statewide Google Trend in Texas on Saturday, mainly due to several social media posts being circulated online claiming that to be the case. They all look exactly the same, with minor tweaks to each one: either the bill number or state-specific identifying information, like the governor’s name.
Here is a look at a few:
Will tattoos become illegal in Texas in 2028? What is Texas House Bill 1126?
The Texas-specific post masquerades as a press release from Gov. Greg Abbott’s office, dated May 14, 2024. First of all, Texas didn’t have a legislative session in 2024. Texas had a regular session and four special sessions in 2023, and then a regular session and two special sessions in 2025.
“House Bill 1126” in all of these sessions address the following:
- 88(R) HB 1126 – Minimum wage
- 88(1) / 88(2) / 88(3) / 88(4) – N/A
- 89(R) – HB 1126 – Relating to sun screening devices installed on a motor vehicle that displays or qualifies for the issuance of a judicial specialty license plate.
- 89(1) / 89(2) – N/A
Texas law requires any business engaged in tattooing or body piercing to be licensed with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), rather than banning them.